4 Best Sex Positions After Hysterectomy

If you or your partner has had or will have a hysterectomy, you are probably wondering if it will affect your sex life.

There will obviously need to be some downtime immediately following the surgery, but the good news is that sex will be back and very likely better than ever — many people who have had hysterectomies report that their sex lives actually improved after the procedure.

What Is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. The uterus is home base for pregnancy and menstruation, so after a person has a hysterectomy, they will no longer menstruate or be able to get pregnant. A partial hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix; a total hysterectomy also removes the ovaries and Fallopian tubes.

A hysterectomy can be done vaginally (through the vagina), laparoscopically (through small incisions in the abdomen, robot-assisted), or open (a larger incision in the abdomen). Vaginal or laparoscopic procedures can sometimes turn into open surgeries if there are complications.

Hysterectomies are usually performed due to cancer, fibroids, prolapse, or heavy menstrual bleeding. These conditions are usually painful and problematic, which is why many people who need and have hysterectomies feel better and therefore have better sex after they have recovered from surgery.

If the hysterectomy is total and the ovaries are removed, this will lead to immediate menopause (menstruation stops with any hysterectomy, but if the ovaries remain, the person will still experience hormonal cycles even without menstrual bleeding). Many people in menopause experience vaginal dryness and fluctuations in libido. There are numerous options for hormone replacement therapy and we urge anyone who has a total hysterectomy to discuss these with their health care provider.

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure and how your body reacts to it, but your surgeon will probably tell you to avoid penetration for at least six weeks after surgery. When the uterus and cervix are removed, the surgeon creates a vaginal “cuff” and that needs to heal completely before it is disturbed. Please do not get too impatient, because a reconstruction will likely have you out of action for much longer!

Is the G-Spot Still There After a Hysterectomy?

Asking the important questions! But there is no need to worry here. The G-spot is a bundle of nerve endings located on the anterior vaginal wall. It is well out of the scope of a standard partial or total hysterectomy, and if you have a medical condition that necessitates a more extensive surgical procedure, (1) you will already be aware of this, and (2) your surgeon will discuss it with you.

Does Sex Feel Different For Your Partner After Hysterectomy?

We’ll be honest: the first few times that you have sex after your surgery will probably be a little uncomfortable for you and therefore for your partner. You may not want penetration to be as deep or as vigorous as you both normally like. You may even find orgasms to be uncomfortable as your body adjusts to its new configuration.

The good news is that all of this is temporary! After a full recovery, sex should return to normal. Penetrating partners will not be able to feel the vaginal cuff unless they are much, much longer than average (and even those who do say that it is not unpleasant). It is likely that the receiving partner will need to use lube with most encounters, but that’s not a big ask. Studies indicate that sexual satisfaction is unaffected for penetrating partners.

How Can I Make Sex More Enjoyable After a Hysterectomy?

First things first, wait the full six weeks or however long your surgeon recommends. Even if you feel fine, there’s a lot of healing going on inside. We promise that the waiting time is not a conspiracy to keep you sex-starved.

Once you’ve gotten the all-clear, start out slowly. Make sure to use plenty of lube! If the penis in question is longer than average, you might even consider the Ohnut, which serves as a kind of buffer. Especially if you have had a total hysterectomy (ovaries removed as well), consider talking with your health care provider about hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen protects your brain and your bones as well as your vagina, so if you have suddenly entered menopause years before you might have expected to, it is worth exploring.

Be sure to communicate with your partner about how you are feeling physically and mentally. Use your waiting period to cultivate non-sexual intimacy, and this will help you get through the possible awkwardness of rebuilding sexual intimacy.

Best Sex Positions After a Hysterectomy

1. Cowgirl

In the classic cowgirl position, the receiving partner controls the depth and pace of penetration. This is fun for everyone, of course, but it’s especially helpful when the receiving partner is recovering from a hysterectomy and wants to be able to gauge their responses.

If the receiving partner is feeling some discomfort in the belly area, the penetrating partner can bend his knees and the receiving partner can lean back on them for additional support.

What We’re Doing

1. The penetrating partner lies on their back on the bed with legs together or slightly spread.
2. The receiving partner straddles, squats, or kneels over the penetrating partner’s body.
3. The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in. Either partner can use their hands or a small vibrator to stimulate the receiving partner’s clitoris.

2. Spooning

In this position, the receiving partner is not supporting any of the penetrating partner’s weight. This is a very relaxed, non-strenuous position and this is ideal for surgical recovery. Penetration is rarely very deep in this position, and that can also be a plus during the recovery journey.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their side with knees bent, curled in a half-moon position.
2. The penetrating partner lies on their side behind the receiving partner, facing the same direction.
3. The receiving partner lifts their top leg, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in. Either partner can use their hands or a small vibrator to stimulate the receiving partner’s clitoris.

3. The 69

We recommend the 69 position for people recovering from hysterectomies because there is usually no penetration at all (fingers may be involved). If the person recovering is on top, there is also no pressure or strain on the abdominal area. Besides, it’s lots of fun!

Be aware that even without penetration, it is possible that the first few orgasms may be stressful for your body. This is usually normal, but it’s also something to talk with your healthcare provider about if you feel concerned.

What We’re Doing

1. Partner 1 lies on their back on the bed. They can put a small, firm cushion under their head and neck for support.
2. Partner 2 straddles Partner 1’s chest, facing the opposite direction. Partner 2 backs up so that their genitals are aligned with Partner 1’s mouth.
3. Partner 2 leans forward and both partners perform oral sex on each other.

4. Missionary With Pillow

Missionary is a very intimate position and that’s great for reconnecting while you are rebuilding intimacy. There is little strain on the belly area for the receiving partner, especially if the penetrating partner supports much of their body weight with their arms.

Using a firm cushion under the hips provides additional support (and a better angle to target the G-spot, as a bonus) and makes the position less physically demanding.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back on the bed with legs slightly spread. The receiving partner, likely with the penetrating partner’s assistance, places a firm cushion under their hips.
2. The penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner, face to face and between their legs.
3. The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

Maggie Hart has written about sexual well-being and sexuality in society for quite a few years now. She is active in communities that celebrate sex for older adults.

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